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A Borrowed Life
From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.
For thirty years Liz has perfectly played the part of Mrs. Thomas Lightsey, exemplary pastor’s wife and mother. But maintaining appearances for the congregation and catering to her demanding husband takes a toll, and she’s lost herself in meeting the expectations of others. When Thomas suddenly dies, Liz feels shock, grief, and, to her surprise, the siren song of freedom. Dare she dream of a life to call her own?
Despite the resistance of her daughter, Abigail, to even the smallest changes, Liz lands a role at the community theater. Inspired by new friends and the character she plays, she explores life’s possibilities, including an unexpected—and steamy—relationship with her leading man.
Just when Liz thinks she might be winning, life hits her with an unthinkable shock. She’s pregnant at forty-nine. Torn between conflicting loyalties to her daughter, her lover, her unborn baby, and herself, can Liz find a way to rebuild her dream life one more time?
For thirty years Liz has perfectly played the part of Mrs. Thomas Lightsey, exemplary pastor’s wife and mother. But maintaining appearances for the congregation and catering to her demanding husband takes a toll, and she’s lost herself in meeting the expectations of others. When Thomas suddenly dies, Liz feels shock, grief, and, to her surprise, the siren song of freedom. Dare she dream of a life to call her own?
Despite the resistance of her daughter, Abigail, to even the smallest changes, Liz lands a role at the community theater. Inspired by new friends and the character she plays, she explores life’s possibilities, including an unexpected—and steamy—relationship with her leading man.
Just when Liz thinks she might be winning, life hits her with an unthinkable shock. She’s pregnant at forty-nine. Torn between conflicting loyalties to her daughter, her lover, her unborn baby, and herself, can Liz find a way to rebuild her dream life one more time?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
597 people are currently reading
9348 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Anne King
13 books807 followersKerry Anne King (aka Kerry Schafer) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
September 24, 2020
For twenty-six years, Liz Lightsey was the perfect Pastor's wife and mother. But when she finds herself a widow at 49, she realizes that she has been living for everyone but herself. She has done everything her husband wanted, and put her aspirations and interests on hold. Now, she has an opportunity to follow her dreams, dress how she wants, wear her hair how she wants and pursue her dreams - such as join the local theater. But how will she do this when she is receiving so much resistance from her daughter, Abagail? Seriously, I would have shown her the door!
This was a very uplifting, inspiring, funny, endearing and sweet book. I enjoyed watching Liz come into her own and realize that she stopped living for herself and did everything her husband wanted during their marriage. Now she has made friends outside of her church, is having fun, living for herself. As with any change there will be some resistance (or a lot as she gets from her daughter), some laughter, some trepidations, lots of growth and reflection.
This was such a wonderful book and I am so glad I gave it a chance. Once I started, I had to keep reading. I did not like when I had to put it down. The characters are well developed, interesting, frustrating, and felt real. Relationships are on display here and I appreciated how the author handled them.
This was my first book by Kerry Anne King, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a very uplifting, inspiring, funny, endearing and sweet book. I enjoyed watching Liz come into her own and realize that she stopped living for herself and did everything her husband wanted during their marriage. Now she has made friends outside of her church, is having fun, living for herself. As with any change there will be some resistance (or a lot as she gets from her daughter), some laughter, some trepidations, lots of growth and reflection.
This was such a wonderful book and I am so glad I gave it a chance. Once I started, I had to keep reading. I did not like when I had to put it down. The characters are well developed, interesting, frustrating, and felt real. Relationships are on display here and I appreciated how the author handled them.
This was my first book by Kerry Anne King, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2020
Is this a gorgeous book cover or what?
Liz has been married for twenty-six years, the perfect wife to a pastor, Thomas. She’s also a mom. Her husband becomes more and more demanding over the years, and she feels as though she’s lost herself.
Thomas passes away suddenly, Liz feels all the grief you’d imagine, but also some freedom? She decides to audition for a role in the community theater and is successful. This role leads her to finding love again.
And Liz finds out she’s pregnant at forty-nine. Will she ever really find herself and reach her dreams?
I LOVED Liz. I LOVED this second chance storyline. I love when books have the message that happiness can be found at any age because it can. It was fun to see her church side meet her theatre side in so many ways.
Thank you to Kerry Anne King for giving Liz an inspiring story for us filled with color and hope.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Liz has been married for twenty-six years, the perfect wife to a pastor, Thomas. She’s also a mom. Her husband becomes more and more demanding over the years, and she feels as though she’s lost herself.
Thomas passes away suddenly, Liz feels all the grief you’d imagine, but also some freedom? She decides to audition for a role in the community theater and is successful. This role leads her to finding love again.
And Liz finds out she’s pregnant at forty-nine. Will she ever really find herself and reach her dreams?
I LOVED Liz. I LOVED this second chance storyline. I love when books have the message that happiness can be found at any age because it can. It was fun to see her church side meet her theatre side in so many ways.
Thank you to Kerry Anne King for giving Liz an inspiring story for us filled with color and hope.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 25, 2020
Wow! What a book! Kerry Anne King hit it out of the park with this beautifully written authentic story. The book kicks off with Elizabeth the pastor‘s wife hosting a knitting group at her house. Liz has about had it with knitting one and purling too. When her controlling husband Thomas dies of a heart attack Liz is sad. But soon realizes that she can now live her life for herself, by her own rules. So Liz hangs up her knitting needles and puts on her theater mask. Wears jeans, cuts her hair, eats cake, drinks margaritas, makes new friends. But not everyone is thrilled with the change in Liz, her daughter Abigail is distraught and the church ladies’ tongues are wagging.
Liz was such a real and relatable character. Anyone who has ever been in an unhappy controlling relationship will completely empathize with her story. While there is some difficult subject matter in this book it really is a happy uplifting story. It was so much fun watching the church ladies and the theater crew’s lives collide. There were just so many fabulous colorful secondary characters in the story. It was great and inspiring watching Liz reinvent herself at 49. A truly lovely story, with a perfect ending.
This book in emojis 🧶 🎭 🐱 🛏 🏡
*** Big thank you to Lake Union for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Liz was such a real and relatable character. Anyone who has ever been in an unhappy controlling relationship will completely empathize with her story. While there is some difficult subject matter in this book it really is a happy uplifting story. It was so much fun watching the church ladies and the theater crew’s lives collide. There were just so many fabulous colorful secondary characters in the story. It was great and inspiring watching Liz reinvent herself at 49. A truly lovely story, with a perfect ending.
This book in emojis 🧶 🎭 🐱 🛏 🏡
*** Big thank you to Lake Union for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
September 21, 2020
My second book by King, oh boy was in for a treat with this one. I read it in one sitting, I could not put it down. The characters and the story were perfectly written and the fast pace read had me wanting more. King is becoming one of those authors I long to grab her books to get away from reality for a few hours.
I gave this book 4 stars and I hope you will grab a copy and escape reality for a few hours. You can thank me later.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I gave this book 4 stars and I hope you will grab a copy and escape reality for a few hours. You can thank me later.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
September 21, 2020
Well, King has done it again! I absolutely adored Every Thing You Are and A Borrowed Life is just as wonderful and unputdownable!! She has quickly become one of my #autobuyauthors ❤️. I really felt a complete understanding with the main character, Liz. I think many of us can. That feeling that we have to portray some sort of perfectness....no matter how unattainable. Just wait until you see everything that life has in-store for Liz!
October 6, 2020
Some books just feel like they are good for your soul, and Kerry Anne King’s A Borrowed Life is one of those books. Funny, sweet, emotional, inspiring, and uplifting. This is a perfect read to lift your spirits and remind us that even hard times bring change and good things to those with an open heart.
The main character Liz Lightsey has been the perfect Pastor’s wife for 26 years, when at 49 she finds herself a widow. Being a pastor’s life isn’t easy—Liz spent so much of her time catering to her family and her church, that she let herself and her own interests fall by the wayside. Now at 49, Liz isn’t entirely sure who she is. Thomas had ideas about what the roles for a woman and man in a home were, and suddenly Liz is able to think clearly if she agrees.
I thought this was so relatable—I think women in general tend to sacrifice what they want for others (particularly men). And we do it willingly, we are often nurturers and taking care of others is important to us. But our interests matter too. I think most women will really connect with this book and with Liz, she is such a great character and I loved seeing her come alive as the book went on.
When Liz’s neighbor suggests she audition for a part in a community theater production, Liz begins to find herself again little by little. Her life is hers now, and she is opening up new opportunities and meeting new people. And slowly, Liz experiences other things—margaritas, wearing jeans, cutting her hair. Liz is finally living her life for herself and doing things that interest her.
There are a few moments that took me by surprise in the story that I really enjoyed! This is a lovely story and one that will bring a smile to your face.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for my copy. Opinions are my own.
The main character Liz Lightsey has been the perfect Pastor’s wife for 26 years, when at 49 she finds herself a widow. Being a pastor’s life isn’t easy—Liz spent so much of her time catering to her family and her church, that she let herself and her own interests fall by the wayside. Now at 49, Liz isn’t entirely sure who she is. Thomas had ideas about what the roles for a woman and man in a home were, and suddenly Liz is able to think clearly if she agrees.
I thought this was so relatable—I think women in general tend to sacrifice what they want for others (particularly men). And we do it willingly, we are often nurturers and taking care of others is important to us. But our interests matter too. I think most women will really connect with this book and with Liz, she is such a great character and I loved seeing her come alive as the book went on.
When Liz’s neighbor suggests she audition for a part in a community theater production, Liz begins to find herself again little by little. Her life is hers now, and she is opening up new opportunities and meeting new people. And slowly, Liz experiences other things—margaritas, wearing jeans, cutting her hair. Liz is finally living her life for herself and doing things that interest her.
There are a few moments that took me by surprise in the story that I really enjoyed! This is a lovely story and one that will bring a smile to your face.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for my copy. Opinions are my own.
August 14, 2021
A Borrowed Life by Kerry Anne King is a story about finding oneself and living one's life on one's own terms. It is one of those books that makes you feel good every step of the way, especially if you are the outcast in a conservative society. It iterates the importance of right to live as one pleases to do, no matter what others think and how they resist.
This is my first book from the author, and I will definitely read more of her work.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
This is my first book from the author, and I will definitely read more of her work.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
December 30, 2023
Omg
I loved this book but why leave cliffhanger??????????????? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Now I'll have to search if there's a second book. Very thoughtful book though, a little drawn out at times but the dialogue was very good.
I loved this book but why leave cliffhanger??????????????? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Now I'll have to search if there's a second book. Very thoughtful book though, a little drawn out at times but the dialogue was very good.
September 22, 2020
What a beautiful heart felt book about love, healing, and hope.
Kerry Anne King has quite the talent with women's fiction novels and this is nothing short of her talent soaring across these pages with such ease and grace. It's a wonderful message that King delivers to her readers... that it's never too late to find yourself in life and take risks to open a new chapter.
Liz, our main character, embarks on a journey of her own at 49 after the loss of her husband truly finding herself once again. Such a wonderful and uplifting book that I recommend!!
Thank you so much to Suzy for allowing me to me on this tour and Lake Union for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 9/22/20
Published to GR: 9/21/20
Kerry Anne King has quite the talent with women's fiction novels and this is nothing short of her talent soaring across these pages with such ease and grace. It's a wonderful message that King delivers to her readers... that it's never too late to find yourself in life and take risks to open a new chapter.
Liz, our main character, embarks on a journey of her own at 49 after the loss of her husband truly finding herself once again. Such a wonderful and uplifting book that I recommend!!
Thank you so much to Suzy for allowing me to me on this tour and Lake Union for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 9/22/20
Published to GR: 9/21/20
May 3, 2020
I felt this book was quite the wild ride! It follows the life of Elizabeth Lightsey, the wife of a preacher who controls her life and makes every decision for her ...for 26 years. But then he suddenly dies - and although she’s devastated, she finally gets her life handed back to her and she’s free to make decisions for herself. The craziness that happens after this is absolutely amazing. (This story kind of has a housewives vibe to it as the whole community is constantly up each other’s a** ...and it’s comical!) for Elizabeth, is it too soon for a new romance? To soon to start a new life at 49 years old? This book is about life, love, surprises, change, challenges, loving yourself, sticking up for yourself, standing up for what you believe in (which I found to be pretty bad ass in this book), being able to get the strength to stop caring what other people think of you, and the power of YES instead of no! Overall great read from Kelly Anne King and I do recommend this book if you’re looking for a non-stop exciting and fun story! You will be rooting for Liz the whole time, just like I was!
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing (Amazon Publishing) for this ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing (Amazon Publishing) for this ARC!
September 9, 2021
An interesting insight into the life of a widow woman after getting out of an unhealthy marriage.
Liz lived twenty-six years of her life abiding by the orders and needs of her pastor husband. After his death, Liz experiences the freedom of making decisions on her own. Although, she is not very good at it as she gets knocked up at the age of forty-nine.
Abigail, her grown-up daughter, has a hard time adjusting to a life where she loses her father one day and afterward finds her mother acting out like a teenager. I just expected a bit more maturity from Liz.
I would’ve given it two stars but the home birth and the ending deserve another star.
Liz lived twenty-six years of her life abiding by the orders and needs of her pastor husband. After his death, Liz experiences the freedom of making decisions on her own. Although, she is not very good at it as she gets knocked up at the age of forty-nine.
Abigail, her grown-up daughter, has a hard time adjusting to a life where she loses her father one day and afterward finds her mother acting out like a teenager. I just expected a bit more maturity from Liz.
I would’ve given it two stars but the home birth and the ending deserve another star.
June 30, 2020
A Borrowed Life is a completely moving and brilliant book from Kerry Anne King. Following the sudden loss of her husband, Liz embarks on a journey of rediscovering her life.
It was frustrating, gripping, uplifting and funny all rolled into one and definitely a book I'll recommend to friends!
... I do, however, wish someone would push Abigail out of an open window...
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It was frustrating, gripping, uplifting and funny all rolled into one and definitely a book I'll recommend to friends!
... I do, however, wish someone would push Abigail out of an open window...
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 17, 2020
This book was exquisite and just what I needed! I've loved King's other books so was pretty sure I'd love this one as well and I did! Liz is the epitome of the obedient pastor's wife, holding weekly knitting circles in her home and raising her daughter (now grown and a nurse) to believe she was put on this earth to serve men and kowtow to them. But when husband Thomas suffers a fatal heart attack, Liz realizes she has no real "voice" of her own until good friend, Val introduces her to community theater where she unexpectedly lands the lead and meets single, handsome Lance (who unfortunately is "emotionally unavailable"). When daughter Abagail returns home to "care" for her, Liz recognizes how narrow her vision has been and just how her husband shaped her to believe all the Bible verses literally and not recognize a woman's power or spirit. What follows is a wonderful and heartbreaking trial of the relationship between mother and daughter, mother and friend, mother and "church ladies," mother and hot guy." How does one reinvent herself when tragedy strikes suddenly? We never know until it strikes but I loved King's belief that, "...When you're held back from being yourself, from living your gifts, how can you possibly be your best self?" Oprah worthy, right?? I was teary-eyed at the end as Liz comes to terms with her new life and all the possibilities it holds!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
October 3, 2020
Lake Union is known for putting out some of the most heart string pulling stories and A Borrowed Life definitely pulls at them here. When Liz's life is turned upside down with the death of her husband and spousal "identity" at the age of 49, she learns to start all over again and find her true self in the process.
Full transparency - I did have a couple of issues that I wanted to discuss. I felt like at 49, Liz was being portrayed as such an "old lady" and unnecessarily aged. Now, I realize that SHE didn't feel that way, but it seems like everyone around her did (except for Val and the Theater group, bless them).. and wasn't sure if that was intentional or if the writing just portrayed her this way. I don't know why this irked me so much... maybe because it's not THAT much older than I am so... ahem. Hahaha - but I truly do appreciate that we see her bloom into her full, young 49 year old self. I also always have an issue with one other particular part of the storyline that I won't get into as to not spoil anything but whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... if you've read this can we please discuss. Butttttt, then the author brings me back to feeling things because of where the storyline continues to grow. Dammit. *wink*
Listen, I don't think there's any way that you don't fall in love with Liz. I truly did enjoy watching her journey unfold. I'd liken it to one of those Hallmark movies that come on TV that you might not be paying attention to at first, but then find yourself stopping to sit and really watch til the end... and maybe with a tear in your eye. And I now want to live in the country in a little white house with a green roof.
3.5 stars, rounding up for GR.
Full transparency - I did have a couple of issues that I wanted to discuss. I felt like at 49, Liz was being portrayed as such an "old lady" and unnecessarily aged. Now, I realize that SHE didn't feel that way, but it seems like everyone around her did (except for Val and the Theater group, bless them).. and wasn't sure if that was intentional or if the writing just portrayed her this way. I don't know why this irked me so much... maybe because it's not THAT much older than I am so... ahem. Hahaha - but I truly do appreciate that we see her bloom into her full, young 49 year old self. I also always have an issue with one other particular part of the storyline that I won't get into as to not spoil anything but whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... if you've read this can we please discuss. Butttttt, then the author brings me back to feeling things because of where the storyline continues to grow. Dammit. *wink*
Listen, I don't think there's any way that you don't fall in love with Liz. I truly did enjoy watching her journey unfold. I'd liken it to one of those Hallmark movies that come on TV that you might not be paying attention to at first, but then find yourself stopping to sit and really watch til the end... and maybe with a tear in your eye. And I now want to live in the country in a little white house with a green roof.
3.5 stars, rounding up for GR.
September 17, 2020
A beautifully written character and emotionally driven story, Kerry Anne King weaves a tale of a woman’s life as it begins at forty nine. A Borrowed Life is an engaging and enthralling story that captures you from the beginning right to the very last page. This book certainly delivered! I really enjoyed this book about learning that in life, it is never too late to find yourself, fall in love, take risks and live! Thank you Kerry Anne King for writing such an amazing character in Liz Lightsey.
January 15, 2021
This one was a surprise. Having read all four of Ms King's previous books (in particular I loved 'Whisper Me This'), this was a departure and a welcome one. Lots of tears before the end for me.
Starts with a bang (actually a thump) as Liz, who has been the pastor's wife for 28 years and is in the middle of a sewing circle with other church women, finds her husband has fallen dead in his study. Then quiet reflection and regret over her years with a domineering man. Her daughter Abigail, a grown woman working as a nurse in the big city, rushes home to 'look after her mother' who seems to not be playing the dead pastor's widow as she should.
Joined by a group of support characters, Liz takes control of her life (as much as anyone ever can), falls out with her daughter, takes a lead role in a community theatre play, and then interesting things happen. I loved it and the ride was fun and worthwhile. Recommended if you have a soft heart.
Starts with a bang (actually a thump) as Liz, who has been the pastor's wife for 28 years and is in the middle of a sewing circle with other church women, finds her husband has fallen dead in his study. Then quiet reflection and regret over her years with a domineering man. Her daughter Abigail, a grown woman working as a nurse in the big city, rushes home to 'look after her mother' who seems to not be playing the dead pastor's widow as she should.
Joined by a group of support characters, Liz takes control of her life (as much as anyone ever can), falls out with her daughter, takes a lead role in a community theatre play, and then interesting things happen. I loved it and the ride was fun and worthwhile. Recommended if you have a soft heart.
September 28, 2020
"Who was I before Thomas?"
I'm so glad others loved this one and I wish I had. It's a story about a perfect pastor's wife and church-going mother....until her husband suddenly passes away. Liz is a 49 year old widow trying to find her new way in the world. She is slowly discovering both herself and her new life and how to go on.
Although the writing in this is wonderful, the message and story were a bit heavy handed for me. I didn't need every "bad" person to be so over the top. My experience is most overbearing church members are a bit more sly about their judgement and backhanded comments. The relationship with the daughter to start was so awful it was hard to read. More subtle judgement and control from her daughter, for me, would have gone a long way. But I can see how others would love this and I'm glad they did.
I'm so glad others loved this one and I wish I had. It's a story about a perfect pastor's wife and church-going mother....until her husband suddenly passes away. Liz is a 49 year old widow trying to find her new way in the world. She is slowly discovering both herself and her new life and how to go on.
Although the writing in this is wonderful, the message and story were a bit heavy handed for me. I didn't need every "bad" person to be so over the top. My experience is most overbearing church members are a bit more sly about their judgement and backhanded comments. The relationship with the daughter to start was so awful it was hard to read. More subtle judgement and control from her daughter, for me, would have gone a long way. But I can see how others would love this and I'm glad they did.
May 4, 2022
Read for the 52 Book Challenge Prompt 9 “A Book That Sparks Joy”
I picked up the book because of the cover. I loved the colors. Then I saw it was written by Kerry Anne King and I really like her writing style and the kind of story she creates.
I was not sure this book would fit the prompt, but 100 pages into it I thought it was the perfect fit as I LOVE stories of women that go on a journey discovering themselves.
In this case the books sparked extra joy as Liz (“thanks” to natural causes) comes out of an abusive relationship, where her husband belittled her and their daughter (Eff the patriarchy), and she fight for her new identity even if it would have been easier to just give in to the little community around her wanting her to stay who she pretended to be, and her daughter wanting her to go back being the mother she knew.
I absolutely hated Thomas. Especially when Liz found the letters… and I don’t know how she was able to forgive him. I would have never done that. Especially since because of him she lost her chance to say goodbye to her mother!
I cringed to the officer stopping Liz. It made me so mad the way he spoke to Liz and the way he acted. I literally fumed!
Loved Val and the Community Theater Crew!
It’s never to late to find yourself and follow your dreams! I just love these kind of books. *sparks of joy all around*
I picked up the book because of the cover. I loved the colors. Then I saw it was written by Kerry Anne King and I really like her writing style and the kind of story she creates.
I was not sure this book would fit the prompt, but 100 pages into it I thought it was the perfect fit as I LOVE stories of women that go on a journey discovering themselves.
In this case the books sparked extra joy as Liz (“thanks” to natural causes) comes out of an abusive relationship, where her husband belittled her and their daughter (Eff the patriarchy), and she fight for her new identity even if it would have been easier to just give in to the little community around her wanting her to stay who she pretended to be, and her daughter wanting her to go back being the mother she knew.
I absolutely hated Thomas. Especially when Liz found the letters… and I don’t know how she was able to forgive him. I would have never done that. Especially since because of him she lost her chance to say goodbye to her mother!
I cringed to the officer stopping Liz. It made me so mad the way he spoke to Liz and the way he acted. I literally fumed!
Loved Val and the Community Theater Crew!
It’s never to late to find yourself and follow your dreams! I just love these kind of books. *sparks of joy all around*
May 23, 2020
In A Borrowed Life, Kerry Anne King cleverly delves into a forty-nine year old woman’s unexpected coming of age. Newly widowed, after a twenty-six year marriage to a man who controlled her thoughts and actions, Elizabeth becomes Liz and takes complete charge of her life, exploring her world as never before. Making decisions that bring her happiness, often at the temporary expense of her inflexible adult daughter, Liz discovers life is not linear as she contends with unexpected roadblocks. King’s storytelling gifts have us completely engaged until the last page is turned.
July 23, 2021
I wanted very much to like this book. It got great reviews, and I was excited to read it. However, the characters were good but predictable. It was understandable, parts of it I could relate to. But the predictability of the characters was too much. I felt like I was writing it as I was reading it. I knew what the characters would do. And Liz, i didn’t get the conflict of her husband dying and leaving the church.
September 22, 2020
I think this is going to be my new favorite by KAK; previously it’s was Whisper Me This. This book has all sorts of feels. It made me laugh and had me teary eyed. I love the strong female heroine aspect and how the main character pulls from her own strength and begins making her own decisions based on her needs and wants vs anyone else’s. Great character development. I could read it all over again!
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC
September 28, 2020
Are you living your best life?
I think we can all relate to making compromises for the ones we love. But imagine making so many changes for a man - that you’ve lost who you are entirely.
A BORROWED LIFE follows Liz: Perfect, prim, and proper pastor’s wife to Thomas; mother of the year to Abigail; impeccable knitting circle host; exemplary church member; listening ear, and shoulder to cry on to anyone who needs it.
But then Thomas dies.
Bring on the theatre crew, late night drinks, new look, and new friends and possible new love! Abigail and the church ladies are pretty sure her mother has lost her mind, but Liz is just starting to realize that she lost something else a long time ago… herself.
This one is smart, it’s witty, and it is chock full of all the inspiration you could need to grab the reins of life and live your best one - on your own terms.
I think we can all relate to making compromises for the ones we love. But imagine making so many changes for a man - that you’ve lost who you are entirely.
A BORROWED LIFE follows Liz: Perfect, prim, and proper pastor’s wife to Thomas; mother of the year to Abigail; impeccable knitting circle host; exemplary church member; listening ear, and shoulder to cry on to anyone who needs it.
But then Thomas dies.
Bring on the theatre crew, late night drinks, new look, and new friends and possible new love! Abigail and the church ladies are pretty sure her mother has lost her mind, but Liz is just starting to realize that she lost something else a long time ago… herself.
This one is smart, it’s witty, and it is chock full of all the inspiration you could need to grab the reins of life and live your best one - on your own terms.
October 4, 2020
Heartwarming and enjoyable - it's never too late to live your best life.
July 4, 2020
Wow, I really loved this romance. This is the kind of story that hangs with you. Kudos to the author!! And thank you to #NetGalley for letting me read it.
September 17, 2020
Linda’ Book Obsession Reviews “A Borrowed Life” by Kerry Anne King, Lake Union Publishing, September 2020 for Suzy Approved Book Tours
Kerry Anne King, the author of “A Borrowed Life” has written a memorable, thought-provoking, and heart-warming novel. The genres for this novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.
Liz Lightsey has been the Pastor’s wife for the last 26 years until Thomas passes away. Liz did everything that a Pastor’s wife was expected to do, according to Thomas. Liz was on all committees in the church, and a perfect mother to Abigal. Of course, Liz is grieving and starts to realize that almost all of her married life, she followed Thomas’s decisions and thoughts of what she should do, not necessarily what she might want to do. In Pastor Thomas’s life there were expectations of what men and women’s roles should be.
One of Liz’s neighbors encourages her to audition for a part in a community theater. Liz starts to feel that she is doing something she has always wanted to do. Meeting new friends, and having new opportunities is wonderful for Liz.
I love the way that Kerry Anne King vividly describes the events and characters in this story. There is some humor when her protective Church friends meet her new theater friends. Is it possible for Liz to find a life that will make her happy?
There are some surprising twists in this story that are heartwarming. Surprisingly, her daughter Abigal is quite shocked at her mother’s behavior, and it looks like there is a role reversal in the mother-daughter relationship.
I appreciate that Kerry Anne King discusses the importance of family, mother-daughter relationships, friends, neighbors, self-growth, love and hope. I would highly recommend this amazing novel.
Kerry Anne King, the author of “A Borrowed Life” has written a memorable, thought-provoking, and heart-warming novel. The genres for this novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.
Liz Lightsey has been the Pastor’s wife for the last 26 years until Thomas passes away. Liz did everything that a Pastor’s wife was expected to do, according to Thomas. Liz was on all committees in the church, and a perfect mother to Abigal. Of course, Liz is grieving and starts to realize that almost all of her married life, she followed Thomas’s decisions and thoughts of what she should do, not necessarily what she might want to do. In Pastor Thomas’s life there were expectations of what men and women’s roles should be.
One of Liz’s neighbors encourages her to audition for a part in a community theater. Liz starts to feel that she is doing something she has always wanted to do. Meeting new friends, and having new opportunities is wonderful for Liz.
I love the way that Kerry Anne King vividly describes the events and characters in this story. There is some humor when her protective Church friends meet her new theater friends. Is it possible for Liz to find a life that will make her happy?
There are some surprising twists in this story that are heartwarming. Surprisingly, her daughter Abigal is quite shocked at her mother’s behavior, and it looks like there is a role reversal in the mother-daughter relationship.
I appreciate that Kerry Anne King discusses the importance of family, mother-daughter relationships, friends, neighbors, self-growth, love and hope. I would highly recommend this amazing novel.
September 24, 2020
A Borrowed Life is an amazing and heartfelt novel about a woman who has to pick up the pieces when tragedy strikes. Kerry Anne King gives readers a relatable character in Liz. Liz is pastor’s wife and when her husband passes away she is conflicted. Their marriage wasn’t perfect and he was controlling so she feels some relief. At 49 she chooses to start over and live the life she has always wanted. Her courage to be true to herself is inspiring. All the changes she makes are risky and brings about gossip, but at least she’s truly happy and hopeful. Such a great read!
I give A Borrowed Life 5 stars. This was my first time reading Kerry’s work and I am already a fan. I loved her personable writing. The premise of this story is fantastic. It will remind readers that you are never too old to reinvent yourself and live the life you want.
I give A Borrowed Life 5 stars. This was my first time reading Kerry’s work and I am already a fan. I loved her personable writing. The premise of this story is fantastic. It will remind readers that you are never too old to reinvent yourself and live the life you want.
September 23, 2020
This was the perfect book at the perfect time! I have been in a bit of a reading slump and this book was just what I needed to help push me out of it!
Outer Liz is living a perfectly structured and organized life. Her routine never varies, she does the same thing day after day. Inner Liz has been bottled up and hidden for so many years she can barely remember who she used to be. All of that is about to change and everyone will not be so accepting!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching inner Liz blossom to outer Liz! Breaking the routine, scribbling outside the lines, and listening to the little voice in her head. Defying what she has been told for years was not easy, but incredibly inspirational to watch.
The colorful cast of characters was fantastic! I love the clash of the church woman vs. the theater group. I laughed and even got a little teary eyed towards the end.
This is my second book by Kerry Anne King and my favorite so far. It is a fun, uplifting read that I hope I have inspired you to pick up!
Outer Liz is living a perfectly structured and organized life. Her routine never varies, she does the same thing day after day. Inner Liz has been bottled up and hidden for so many years she can barely remember who she used to be. All of that is about to change and everyone will not be so accepting!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching inner Liz blossom to outer Liz! Breaking the routine, scribbling outside the lines, and listening to the little voice in her head. Defying what she has been told for years was not easy, but incredibly inspirational to watch.
The colorful cast of characters was fantastic! I love the clash of the church woman vs. the theater group. I laughed and even got a little teary eyed towards the end.
This is my second book by Kerry Anne King and my favorite so far. It is a fun, uplifting read that I hope I have inspired you to pick up!
September 30, 2020
A Borrowed Life is a title that leaves you thinking and evaluating choices you’ve made or may yet need to make. The author has the uncanny ability to reach inside the reader and pluck at the heartstrings. Kerry Anne King excels at portraying a strong female character with fortitude. This book illustrates that so well.
September 15, 2020
This is my first Kerry Anne King novel & I loved it!!!!!!!! I have to check the rest of her books out NOW!!!!!!! I was sooo cheering Liz on throughout the whole story & sometimes shaking my mental fist at her deceased husband. I love her writing style also. This book has alot of characters interwoven into it but the way Kerry Anne King writes it was very easy to keep up with everyone. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of Elin Hilderbrand, Bette Lee Crosy, etc.
August 29, 2020
I enjoyed this story of a woman, Liz, that was uplifting and positive from the very first page. Liz was a wife of a pastor and she did whatever he told her to do and then one day, he had a heart attack and died. Her life changed and she got to do all the things she had wanted to do. Lots of surprises along the way. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
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